[c-nsp] iSCSI, port buffers, and small switches

[Chuck Church]

Anyone,

       Been following the 3750 vs. other switches for datacenter use thread
here.  We're putting together a small system using a couple IBM DS3512
storage units, with 6 physical hosts containing maybe 25 VMs total.  My
original plan was etherchannel (LACP) from the hosts to a 3750X stack of 2
switches, and LACP to the SANs as well.  SAN vs. user traffic probably on
separate channels.  Everything is 1 gig copper.  I'm assuming all hosts and
SAN do channeling, need to confirm with our server guy.  Anyway, I think in
the grand scheme of things, this is a pretty small setup.  This port buffer
issue has me a bit concerned however.  I'd like to keep the etherchannel and
2 physical chassis for load-balancing plus redundancy reasons.  Seems like
my options are:
Pair of Nexus 5K switches - price probably too high, no immediate need for
10 gig.
Pair of 4948 - does away with port buffer issue, but no multichassis
etherchannel
4507, dual sups, dual line cards - This seems like it would work, but pricey
as well.
3750X stack - backplane seems fine, port buffers seem to be the worry.

I guess what I'm asking, for those with 3750/3750E/3750X and seeing
performance issues, is it because you're a much larger setup, or am I likely
to regret the 3750s as well?  I don't have much baseline on this now, as
we're adding more hosts and VMs, so current numbers will grow.

Thanks,

Chuck